With temperatures dropping in the Cincinnati area, Duke Energy is continuing its 30-year tradition this winter by partnering with employees and customers to lend a hand to those struggling to pay their winter energy bills.
Through its HeatShare program in Ohio and WinterCare in Kentucky, Duke Energy works with local agencies in the Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky service territories to aid qualified senior citizens, families and other customers with financial assistance.
“Duke Energy is committed to providing affordable energy to all of our customers, and this year, we’re hearing from local assistance agencies that the needs are greater than ever,” said Jim Henning, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Duke Energy Kentucky. “HeatShare and WinterCare are easy ways for all of us to help our neighbors and friends who need it, because no one should be cold this winter or be forced to choose between a warm home and other necessities.”
In 2015, Duke Energy, its employees and customers provided $318,000 in bill assistance to Ohio customers through HeatShare and $77,000 to Kentucky customers through WinterCare.
Duke Energy began contributing to these programs in 1986, and has provided more than $6 million in heating bill assistance. Duke Energy offers similar energy assistance programs across the company’s six service areas.
“We greatly appreciate the generosity of our many customers and Duke Energy employees who contribute to HeatShare and WinterCare programs each year,” said Henning.
Duke Energy customers in Ohio in need of HeatShare assistance should contact their nearest Salvation Army Community Center to meet with a social worker. The Salvation Army’s HeatShare hotline is 513-762-5636.
Duke Energy customers in Northern Kentucky in need of WinterCare assistance should contact their county’s Neighborhood Center or the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission at 859-581-6607, or visit: http://www.duke-energy.com/kentucky/special-assistance/winter-care.asp
Additionally, Duke Energy provides energy efficiency products and services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information visit duke-energy.com.
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky’s operations provide electric service to about 840,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area and natural gas service to approximately 500,000 customers.